asianmusicproject
Collection of Information and Instructional Materials in Asian Music
Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia. It is divided into two regions:
1. West Malaysia – also known as Peninsular Malaysia
2. East Malaysia - consists of thirteen states and three federal territories. Chinese and Indian cultural influences made their mark when trade began in the country. Trading also increased when immigrants flocked to Malaysia.
The country is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural, which plays a large role in developing their culture. The constitution declares Islam the state religion while protecting freedom of religion.
Multi-racial groups that influenced Malaysia’s music genre:
1. Malay
2. Chinese
3. Indian
4. Iban
5. Dayak
6. Kadazandusun
7. Eurasians
Malaysian music is largely based around percussion instruments. It has multi-cultural influence and is believed to have originated in the Kelantan-Pattani region with a mixture of Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Indonesian influences.
Music of Malaysia
The music of Malaysia may be categorized into 4 main types:
1. Traditional Music - these are the music that that reflects their everyday living or activities
(Folk Songs)
2. Traditional Dance Forms - these are the music that is patterned to a certain dance form
3. Traditional Dance Drama - these are the music that is patterened to a specific drama
4. Traditional Drama - these are music that talks about stories of legends, myths that talks a story.
Forms, Techniques, Styles and others
